Yemeni Gov: Houthi militias escalate tensions, signaling a return to war.

Renewed Conflict Amid Peace Efforts

The Yemeni government has accused the Houthi militias of steering towards reigniting the conflict, despite extensive regional and international efforts to end the ongoing strife and achieve peace. These efforts notably include initiatives by Saudi Arabia and Oman aimed at resolving the Yemeni crisis. The statement, delivered by Yemen’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi, at an open session of the UN Security Council on the Middle East (Yemen), highlighted the international community’s call to provide all forms of support for comprehensive and lasting peace in Yemen, the restoration of state institutions, and overcoming the worsening humanitarian and economic conditions.

Escalation and Humanitarian Concerns

The government’s statement pointed out the military escalation by the militias across several provinces, including attacks on villages and forced control, as well as crimes and violations against civilians such as killings, displacement, and house bombings. These actions aim to subdue the Yemeni people to their coup project and extremist ideologies. Furthermore, the statement shed light on the militias’ systematic economic warfare against the Yemeni government and people, posing threats to international navigation in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, thereby endangering regional and international peace and security. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated humanitarian suffering, undermining regional and international efforts to end the war.

A Decade of Turmoil

Marking a dangerous and difficult phase after ten years of Houthi insurgency and conflict, the Yemeni government stressed the catastrophic economic and humanitarian situation resulting from the war. The government reiterated its commitment to alleviating the living burdens of Yemeni citizens in Houthi-controlled areas and easing their humanitarian suffering, in line with the principle of flexibility and continuous support for peace efforts.

International Response and Humanitarian Work Challenges

The Yemeni government has urged the UN Security Council and the international community to intensify pressure on the Houthi militias to prioritize the welfare of the Yemeni people over the interests of their supporters. The statement also highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian and relief efforts in Houthi-controlled areas, including forced compliance with the militias’ regulations, which hampers the operations of international organizations and UN agencies.

Climate-Related Disasters and Economic Struggles

Addressing the recent heavy rains and floods that caused significant damage in several provinces, including Hodeidah, the government called for regional and international support to address the disaster’s aftermath and the compounded effects of war and climate change on the humanitarian situation. The government is taking measures to alleviate the people’s suffering and mitigate the economic and social consequences, despite facing challenges like halted oil exports, a major revenue source.

International Funding Shortfall and Health Sector Crisis

The statement emphasized the dire humanitarian situation and the massive funding gap for the 2024 humanitarian response plan in Yemen. The decline in international funding has led to catastrophic impacts, particularly in the health sector, with risks of over a thousand health facilities closing and endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and children. The Yemeni government renews its call for international support to meet the urgent humanitarian needs and prevent a potential humanitarian catastrophe.

In conclusion, the Yemeni government’s plea underscores the urgency of international support and action to address the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, emphasizing the need for a political process that fulfills the aspirations of all Yemenis for state restoration, security, stability, and development.

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